How to Hang a Dresser Mirror

Match your hardware to the weight of the mirror.

A mirror centered over a dresser adds a finishing touch to your bedroom ensemble. If you’ve just moved into a new house, installing mirrors and artwork will quickly make the space feel like home. This project is not difficult, but it is easiest if you have a helper. If your mirror already has hanging wire and D-rings on the back, inspect them carefully to be sure they are properly installed and are capable of holding the mirror’s weight. If they seem flimsy, remove them and install your own sturdy hanging wire and D-rings.

1

Weigh the mirror so you can match it to sufficiently sturdy hardware. One way to do this is to first weigh yourself, then ask a helper to check your weight again as you hold the mirror. The difference between the two numbers is the weight of the mirror.

2

Purchase mirror-hanging hardware, which is often available as a kit. The kit should include heavy-duty mirror wire, D-rings, screws, wall anchors and sturdy picture-hanging hooks. Check the hardware’s specifications on the package to ensure it will hold the weight of your particular mirror.

3

Measure the mirror from top to bottom with a tape measure, then make a pencil mark on both sides of the back of the mirror about 1/5 of the way down from the top. The marks should be directly on top of the mirror’s wooden frame in a spot that will allow you to drill a hole.

4

Drill holes in the spots you marked with a small power drill, using a drill bit appropriate for the screws that came with the mirror-hanging kit. Screw in the D-rings with the drill.

5

Attach one end of the heavy-duty wire to either D-ring, and twist it until it is securely attached.

6

Run the wire through the second D-ring, then back to the first. Twist the wire securely to attach it. The wire should be taught, or nearly so.

7

Make a pencil mark on the wall at the height you wish to suspend the mirror. Center the mark over the width of the dresser.

8

Make two more pencil marks, one to the left and one to the right of the center mark. The distance between these two marks should be about one-quarter of the distance between the D-rings you installed on the back of the mirror. Use a level to ensure that the two marks are perfectly in line with each other.

9

Drill holes into the two marks, and insert the wall anchors. Screw the sturdy picture-hanging hooks into the anchors.

10

Ask a helper to help you mount the mirror. Make sure that the wire on the back of the mirror is securely positioned over both hanging hooks.

Things You Will Need

About the Author

Gwen Bruno has been a full-time freelance writer since 2009, with her gardening-related articles appearing on DavesGarden. She is a former teacher and librarian, and she holds a bachelor's degree in education from Augustana College and master's degrees in education and library science from North Park University and the University of Wisconsin.